Selective logging of tropical forests observed using L- and C-band SAR satellite data

Abstract

In this paper, potential of space-borne SAR data for monitoring selective logging operations in the tropical forest areas was assessed. Two separate studies were organized for this purpose. Both study sites were located in the northern part of the Republic of the Congo. In the first study, bi-temporal mosaics of ALOS PALSAR data were used in order to map areas affected by logging operations. Data were collected in 2007–2010. Development is in line with other studies and shows promising potential. In the second study, a time series of strip-map C-band SAR data for detecting and monitoring of selective logging activities was assessed. The technique primarily uses multi-temporal aggregation of orthorectified SAR imagery acquired before and after the forest disturbance, followed by the analysis of textural features of SAR backscatter temporal log-ratio image. This is the first successful demonstration of C-band SAR based mapping of selectively logged areas.